HR Operations Lead

Role PurposeThe HR Operations Lead – Pacific is responsible for driving operational excellence across the People & Culture (P&C) function for the Pacific region. This role oversees the delivery of high-quality HR services, systems, processes, and compliance, ensuring a seamless employee experience across the full employment lifecycle. The role partners closely with HR Business Partners, Centres of Expertise (CoEs), and business leaders to ensure efficient, consistent, and scalable HR operations.
Why This Role MattersThis role is critical in ensuring the People & Culture function operates efficiently and delivers a consistent, high-quality experience to employees and leaders across the Pacific. The HR Operations Lead plays a central role in shaping the backbone of HR service delivery, enabling strategic HR work and supporting organisational growth.
Key Responsibilities1. HR Service Delivery & Process ExcellenceLead the end‑to‑end HR operations function, ensuring timely, accurate, and consistent service delivery across the Pacific region.Oversee key processes including onboarding, offboarding, contracts, policy updates, HR queries, employee changes, record management, and HRIS workflows.Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce manual handling, and enhance the employee experience.Maintain service-level standards and ensure continuous improvement of HR processes.2. HR Systems & Data ManagementAct as the regional HRIS owner/champion, ensuring accurate data, effective system utilisation, and successful adoption of system enhancements.Partner with global HRIS and IT teams to implement changes, upgrades, and new digital HR solutions.Provide data insights and HR reports to inform workforce planning, decision-making, and compliance obligations.3. Compliance, Risk & GovernanceEnsure compliance with employment legislation across Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Island jurisdictions.Maintain up-to-date HR policies and procedures in partnership with Legal and ER teams.Lead internal audits, risk assessments, and reporting for HR operations.Oversee secure and compliant management of employee documentation, contracts, and sensitive data.4. Payroll CoordinationPartner closely with the Payroll team (internal or outsourced) to ensure accurate, timely processing of payroll changes.Validate payroll inputs and support resolution of payroll-related issues.Drive improved integration between HR and payroll processes and data flows.5. Employee Experience & Engagement SupportEnsure an exceptional employee experience across all operational touchpoints.Lead initiatives to simplify and modernise the employee experience (automation, self-service, digital solutions).Support regional engagement activities, compliance training, and culture initiatives.6. Vendor & Stakeholder ManagementManage relationships with external HR service providers (background checks, medicals, mobility providers, etc.)Partner with internal stakeholders such as Finance, IT, Legal, and leaders across the Pacific to deliver cohesive HR services.7. People Leadership (if applicable)Lead and develop HR coordinators/officers in the Pacific region.Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and service excellence within the HR operations team.
Qualifications & ExperienceTertiary qualification in Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred.HR operations experience in a complex, multi‑country or regional environment.Strong knowledge of HRIS systems (Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle, or similar).Deep understanding of employment legislation in Australia; NZ and Pacific experience highly valued.Demonstrated experience in process optimisation and HR service delivery models.Experience in payroll support, HR data management, and compliance governance.
Capabilities & SkillsStrong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.Ability to work at pace, manage ambiguity, and prioritise competing demands.Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.High attention to detail, accuracy, and data integrity.Passion for improving processes and leveraging digital solutions.Ability to work effectively across cultures and geographies.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Timeliness and accuracy of HR transactions.Data accuracy and integrity within HRIS.Compliance audit outcomes.Employee satisfaction with HR services.Successful delivery of system/process improvements.Quality of partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.